YOU ARE THE HOPE

So much of what we believed in may be corrupted if we are leaning on a nation or its leaders. Is that not what we should expect of a world that needs salvation from Jesus? So now we have the opportunity to be the light in a dark world. Here are the words of wisdom that guide us to life in a dying world.

Proverbs 16

The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Proverbs 16: 1-5

If your heart knows what is the righteous answer is then you have heard wisdom directly from god. Although you may have considered yourself to be a “good guy”, God measures deeply into the spiritual truth. When a crisis is closing in it is time to surrender to the mercy of God. In his care, you will discover the mind of Christ working in you. He is the master of the game and he has a reward for evil. He knows who is cheating, and no kind of alliance will save the guilty.

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment. Proverbs 16: 6-10

Mercy and truth give us time to consider our sin, and God gives us mercy when we recognize our own evil and the danger that it places us in. Once a man can receive that mercy he will please God and be caused to prosper even in a hostile world. To have a few honest possessions is better than to gain wealth and power by larceny. Our heart is evil and desires a dangerous way, but God will place our feet on the firm ground of a dangerous trail. A righteous king has the wisdom of god to pronounce sentence and his judgment is not unrighteous. If we consider our errors and allow God to work in us we can be greater than those who appear to be leaders while hiding all manner of evil within. We can be the light that our leaders fail to show.

A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. Proverbs 16: 11-15

How many times have retailers reduced the size of a package while keeping the same price? Do they think we are stupid? They just raised the price by reducing the contents. So also our political parties represent corporations for donations instead of the people of our nation. How long will god witness the evil of the kings of our time in history? When a godly ruler arises truth will lead to judgment. If our courts and justice system begin to function the darkness will be blown away. But if need be we can await the return of the King of Kings to make the system righteous again.

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16: 16-20

So do we see an open season for crime and corruption? Now is the time when we should consider the value of honesty. When no one seems to be watching the value of wisdom is indeed greater than gold or wealth. The path of honesty may seem unprofitable now, but it is of great value when the judgment comes. We may not be able to see God now, but we can trust him to make the balances honest. We will prosper more to be in poor, honest company than to celebrate with those whose pride will destroy their prosperity.

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 16: 21-25

You who retain diplomacy and wisdom will learn the way of success. Common sense and patience will bring prosperity to you while fools ignore all good instruction. If you are wise you know to do good and you avoid offensive words. Your diplomatic speech builds alliances and brings prosperity to your works. Some people follow a way that seems right to them but it is actually offensive to enemies who will have the power of death over them. Have we seen leaders who destroy their own hope by vicious words and insults?

He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. Proverbs 16: 26-30

If you work it is to feed yourself, to meet your own needs. Work is good if it provides for you and your family. But an evil man works to provoke strife, and his words divide people and start wars. A violent man may hide a trap, even with good words, while leading a victim to destruction. The highest office of our nation is contested by candidates who seem to have all of these traits. The highest office of our God will hold them in derision at their judgment.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16: 21-33

Grey hair is honorable only if it has traveled in honesty and generosity. If you have lived in self-discipline and humility you have more honor than the victorious generals. A lottery seems to fall out by chance, but God has a hand even in that.

Who cares about the dignified look of a senior statesman who is building on a legacy of vile crimes and double mindedness? Their lips are sweet, but there’s blood on their feet. What seems to play out as an election or a chance event will always have the fingerprint of divine influence. God moves the pieces on the chess board of life, not man. Seek him and follow his light and you will be light to others.